3 Swamp Rock Bands of the 60s (And Their Modern Counterparts)

Swamp rock emerged in the 60s with bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival and Little Feat, among others. It continues to this day in the funky sounds of modern bands that take swamp rock in several different directions. Some lean more funk and soul, while others lean more blues. Still, the essence of swamp rock started with these 60s bands and lives on through a few modern groups.

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Creedence Clearwater Revival / JJ Grey & Mofro

Creedence Clearwater Revival officially formed in 1967 in California, and is an all-time classic swamp rock band. Although it took the band years to travel farther east than Montana, they were beloved for their depictions of southern life and style. Notable songs are, of course, “Born On The Bayou”, “Fortunate Son”, and “Bad Moon Rising”.

JJ Grey performs in a similar bluesy southern rock style to Creedence, and hails from Jacksonville, Florida. In its early days, the band was simply called Mofro, having officially formed under that name in 2001 by JJ Grey and his longtime friend Daryl Hance. Mofro’s sound is similar to Creedence’s, but Grey pulls his lyrical imagery from his hometown of Jacksonville. With this perspective, his music and lyrics reflect the essence and specificity of Florida.

Little Feat / Eagles of Death Metal

Little Feat was formed in 1969 by two original members of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, specifically guitarist Lowell George and bassist Roy Estrada. They were joined by Bill Payne and Richie Hayward, among several others who came and went. After George’s death, Little Feat reformed in 1987 and is still active despite several lineup changes. Their sound is bluesey swamp rock infused with funk and a little something unique that recalls George and Estrada’s time with Zappa. Notable songs include “Willin’” and “Dixie Chicken”, among others.

Eagles Of Death Metal might not strike you as swamp rock right off the bat. They lean a little more toward straight rock at times. However, Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme’s passion project has been described as “bluegrass slide guitar mixed with stripper drum beats and Canned Heat vocals,” according to Homme in a 2003 interview. There’s a bit of Little Feat funk that sneaks in occasionally, which makes Eagles Of Death Metal stand out.

The Meters / Vulfpeck

The Meters formed in 1965 in New Orleans, and are a classic swamp rock band with a funky edge. They didn’t break as far into the mainstream as some other artists, but The Meters were crucial pioneers of funk in the 60s and 70s. Their contemporaries, like James Brown, Sly Stone, and Funkadelic, were looking to them for clues on where the genre was going. Their notable songs include “Cissy Strut”, “Look-Ka Py Py”, and “Just Kissed My Baby”, among so many others.

Meanwhile, Vulfpeck is a modern band with undeniable funk similar to The Meters but with a contemporary twist. Their sound is clean and crisp but still soulful and funky, with modern lyrics and imagery. Less swamp rock and more pure funk, Vulfpeck takes a page from The Meters’ book and paves the way for modern soul-funk.

Featured Image by Charlie Gillett Collection/Redferns